Braves Determine Next Step for Reynaldo López Recovery

Reynaldo Lopez is set to take his next step toward returning to the Atlanta Braves. The Gwinnett Stripers, Triple-A affiliate, announced on Friday morning that he will join them for a rehab assignment.

He is expected to join the team on Sunday.

He’ll be the ninth different player to have a rehab assignment with Gwinnett this season. That should provide some solid context as to how the Braves have had to deal with injuries this season. Some of these players have had multiple rehab assignment stints.

It’s unclear at this time how many starts he will need before he can return. It’s likely that the stint is on the shorter side.

Lopez has been on Atlanta’s 15-day Injured List retroactive to July 30 with left knee inflammation. He was set to make a start, but was scratched due to feeling felt discomfort about an hour out. Martín Pérez jumped in and pitched a gem in his place.

He's battled injuries each season he has been with the Braves (since 2024). Last year, he made a single start in March before a shoulder injury took him out for the season.

In 24 games, 11 starts, with the Braves this season, the 32-year-old is 4-3 with a 3.64 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, and a .245 batting average against.

Over his last six starts, which date back to when he rejoined the rotation after spending a few months in the bullpen, he has a 3.86 ERA.

Once he gets back, the Braves will have to determine what the plan will be for the starting rotation. AJ Smith-Shawver is now back in the majors as well. There will be a couple of spots that need to be sorted out.

Regardless of performance, the only pitchers who are guaranteed to stay put in the rotation are Chris Sale and Tyler Mahle. Currently, the other rotation members are Bryce Elder, Grant Holmes and Pérez.

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